Nanotoxicity assessments usually focus on single nanoparticle (NP) effects, overlooking interactions with other contaminants. In the environment, NPs are expected to co-exist with other toxic species, such as metal(oids), affecting their behavior, uptake and toxicity.

The aim of NanoLegaTox is to explore the toxicological effects on human lungs, brain and liver of TiO2 and CeO NPs, when in presence of arsenic and mercury, two extremely toxic chemicals. In vitro studies will be performed on human cell lines. In vivo studies performed on zebrafish will allow studying the toxicity at organism levels. Relevant endpoints of cell viability, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, epigeneticity and immunogenicity will be analysed using state-of-the-art techniques.